What if the guidance you’re trusting for your book dream is actually slowing you down? In this episode, Meghan pulls back the curtain on the publishing world, and the people profiting from it, to help you avoid the traps so many first-time authors fall into. After 20+ years in traditional publishing, she’s seen how crowded the “get published” space has become, and how much of it is built on shaky advice, recycled teachings, and experts with no real experience.

Megan breaks down the two filters every author must use before hiring anyone:
(1) What is the actual deliverable? Many workshops sell inspiration, not outcomes.
(2) What are their real results? Because a great proposal means nothing if the expert can’t help you build the platform needed to sell books.

She shares stories from her own business evolution, hard-won insights from working with major publishers, and the real numbers behind her team’s success, like an 88% proposal-to-book-deal rate and dozens of six-figure deals.

This episode is your roadmap for choosing the right support, protecting your time and money, and putting your book in the hands of people who know exactly how to bring it to life.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:33) Why so many publishing programs fall short
(1:23) The truth about scammers, grifters, and bad advice
(2:44) The #1 filter: Always check the deliverable
(3:35) Why writing the book too early leads to disappointment
(4:05) The #2 filter: Who are you learning from?
(5:30) Why Meghan avoids workshops + her integrity stance
(7:10) Meghan breaks down her three clear deliverables
(8:20) Real receipts: Meghan’s shocking success stats
(9:00) Helping authors avoid wasted time, money, and stress
(9:25) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start?MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5” – Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan – to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal.

In episodes released every other Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you.

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out – this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life.